PH Independence Day Marked with Historic Reception in Aleppo, Syria
Charge d’ Affaires en pied Alex V. Lamadrid (middle inset), Aleppo Governor Hussein Ahmad Diab (left inset) and Consul General Wassim Nanaa (right inset) deliver their messages at the reception to mark the 120th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, Sheraton Aleppo Hotel. (Damascus PE photo)
Damascus 04 July 2018 — Philippine Embassy in Syria Chargé d’ Affaires, e.p. Alex V. Lamadrid led the Philippine Consulate’s celebration of the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence in the Syrian city of Aleppo with a historic reception at the newly-reopened Sheraton Aleppo Hotel on 27 June 2018.
About 500 guests from the diplomatic corps, high government officials, representatives of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and the resilient members of the Filipino Community in Aleppo attended the event—the first diplomatic reception held in the ancient city of Aleppo after its liberation from terrorist groups.
Aleppo Governor Hussein Ahmad Diab, Ba’ath Party Leader Fadel Najjar, Mayor Mohamad Ayman Hallac, Chief of Police Issam Al-Sheli, Indonesian Ambassador Djoko Harjanto, and Metropolitan Archbishops of three Syrian Churches were among the prominent personalities who graced the event.
In his speech, Chargé d’Affaires Lamadrid expressed the sincere appreciation of the Philippine Government to the Embassy’s partners in the Syrian government and international organizations who have assisted the Philippine Embassy in carrying out its mandate of providing assistance to Filipino nationals in Syria.
The Chargé d’Affaires also paid tribute to Consul General, ad honorem Wassim Nanaa for his invaluable contributions in promoting the welfare of overseas Filipinos, and in advancing the interests of the Philippines, particularly during the Philippine participation in the Aleppo Trade Fair last May.
Aleppo Governor Diab extended his appreciation to the Philippine Embassy in Damascus and the Philippine Consulate General in Aleppo for staying open throughout the crisis in Syria, and for the Philippine government’s “balanced and understanding stance” in international fora.
The Philippine Honorary Consul in Aleppo took the opportunity to promote Philippines top universities and tourist destinations, as well as showcase Philippine-made products. Members of the Filipino community performed a cultural dance to the delight of the guests.
While in Aleppo, the Philippine Embassy team rendered consular services, and responded to assistance to nationals queries from the Filipino community. END
For more information, visit www.damascuspe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSyria/
Charge d’ Affaires en pied Alex V. Lamadrid and Consul General Wassim Nanaa are joined by members of the Filipino community in Aleppo at the reception to mark the 120th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, Sheraton Aleppo Hotel on 27 June 2018. (Damascus PE photo)
Metropolitan Archbishops of three Syrian Churches, Governor Diab, and other high Syrian officials with CDA Lamadrid and Consul General Nanaa. (Damascus PE photo)